Deadly Secret's Reign of Winter (Inactive)

Game Master Deadly secret

"I don't like this..." Baxter mutters. "Those crows... Are pinned with tiny arrows. I suspect wee folk about."

He looks down at himself as he draws his rapier. "well, more wee than I."

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"Goodness, you're right," says Lars, somewhat disturbed after taking a closer look. "I just assumed they were effigies of some sort. Everyone stay sharp. Hopefully the falling snow will be as bad for them as it is for us and they'll either let us pass without incident or be forced to engage us up close." Letting Ysabella continue to take the front, Lars slows down until the other two pass him in order to guard to rear and keeps looking over his shoulders every few steps and listening for anything out of place.

No map for this encounter

As the party passes through this part of the forest, thousands of tiny lights start to light up in all directions. Each light slightly moving within the thick trees to the left and right of the trail. Suddenly three tiny arrows come flying out from different directions towards the party, barely visible by the falling snow.

Tiny arrow 1 flies at Lars ranged -4 vs FF DC15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 and hits for Piercing Damage: 1d2 ⇒ 1 and Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 you're OK.

Tiny arrow 2 flies at Vernonia ranged -4 vs FF DC13: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 and misses.

Tiny arrow 3 flies at Baxter ranged -4 vs FF DC14: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 and hits for Piercing Damage: 1d2 ⇒ 2 and Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 you're OK.

Round 1

A fourth tiny arrow comes flying out from the trees and flies at Lars ranged -4 vs FF DC15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 and hits for Piercing Damage: 1d2 ⇒ 2 and Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 you're OK.

Vernonia's turn...

Vernonia looks for the source of the arrows.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Ready Action to cast Fire Bolt if she sees a target.

Vernonia keeps looking at the many tiny lights but none of them seem to have a body. The snow is making it hard to see as well.

Round 1, Initiative Count 13

Perception: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 1 - 4 = 15

Lars takes a look for the source of the tiny arrows, so he can better defend himself by seeing where the attacks are coming from. Whether or not he sees anything, he'll keep trudging along the path in the direction of the trail they've been following. "These tiny arrows aren't doing much but scratching," he suggests. "If you can use that energy you've been channeling, you can probably negate their effectiveness altogether until we're through their territory. Hopefully if we don't fall as easily as these crows they might just give up and go away."

He has no idea if that's true, but with the snow impeding movement and ranged attacks alike, he doesn't see much alternative other than just trying to pass them by.

How far away do these lights seem to be from the party? 10ft? 30ft? 200ft?

Baxter pulls his hood over his head, and moves as low in the snow as possible to move past the area. He didn't want to fight something he couldn't find. but the thing's attacks were so minor he believed he should be able to avoid any trouble if he just let the snow take most of the arrows.

Dropping prone, being a small creature, and rat-tunneling through the snow to get past this area!

Lars does not see any creatures. The lights are various distances within the thick of the trees. He continues down his path.

Baxter also continues down his path.

Vernonia has a sudden moment as she feels a bit odd Will Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 but she shakes it off and now can see a diminutive fey in the trees about 10 feet away from her.

Ysabella's turn...

Readied action goes off.

"Sprites!, Vernonia screams as she launches a Fire Bolt from her outstretched arm. The shot goes wide of the mark into the trees.

Ysabella widens her eyes in an attempt to spot the enemy properly herself. Come on, you know they are there, SO JUST SEE THEM!

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Ysabella spends a moment to make an effort to see past all the falling snow and random lights. With a blink of the eye, she now can see two more of these creatures in the forest.

Sprite 3 flutters it's wings and flies towards Vernonia & Ysabella, and begins to cast a spell.

Vernonia Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 and saves!
Ysabella Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 and saves!

Round 2

Sprite 1 flutters it's wings and flies towards Vernonia & Ysabella, and begins to cast a spell.

Vernonia Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 and saves!

Ysabella Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 does not and falls to the snow! Unconcious, Blinded & Stunned for rounds: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5 and then Blinded & Stunned for rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 4 and then Stunned for 1 more round.

All three sprites are visible. Both sprites that cast are 10 ft away from both of you. The other sprite is still within the tree branches.

Vernonia's turn...

Round 2, Initiative Count 13

This was a generally good outcome. It's helpful that these creatures finally revealed themselves, because now that he sees them there's something that he can do about it. He picks the closest one to him, trudges up to it through the snow and swings his sword at it. He's never tried to hit something so small before, and the thing is almost cute with its little wings and everything. But from the corner of his eye he can see Ysabella drop, and he's not about to stand idly by while another of the rescue party dies on his watch.

Mwk Longsword Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Longsword Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

That probably isn't going to cut it, so for the sake of convenience I'm pre-rolling an attack of opportunity in a spoiler in case it does something to provoke one now that I'm threatening it.

Raises both hands towards the two sprites and calls upon divine power to cast a spell at the creatures.

A cone of flame shoots forth 15 feet engulfing the creatures.

Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4 Reflex DC14 for half

"Hold on Ysabella!"

Cast Burning Hands and then move to Ysabella.

Sprite 2 Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 saves for half damage and appears to be weak to fire.

Sprite 3 Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 does not save and appears to be weak to fire.

Sprite 1 now takes it's turn as it held it's initiative (fellow in the trees) and begins shouting in this tiny diminutive voice. He then full withdraws deeper out of sight into the snowy forest.

Baxter's turn...

Baxter will push out of the snow and lunge with his rapier at the one next to Ysabella and Vernonia, hoping that catching it between the two of them will give him some kind of advantage.

Hoping to get flanking.

1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 = 15 +2 is if I get flanking.
1d6 ⇒ 1

... Well, that was embarassing.

The little ratfolk seems to not be able to land a solid hit.

initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Seemingly out of the blue, perhaps because of the distractions of combat, a lion with a shimmering sheen to its tawny fur appears aongst you. On it's back is a grey haired gnome: both have the hair around their heads decorated with grey and white feathers.

The lion makes a bite for the nearest sprite
attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

While the gnome calls out, "What are you doing here!"

"They are retreating and going to get help. We need to get out of here."

Vernonia checks on Ysabella

Heal check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Hold up Vernonia, you're out of order. I'll take that action on the next round when I turn it.

Baxter misses.

Lars misses.

Sprite 2 casts a spell (defensively and succeeds) on Vernonia Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 and saves. The sprite then tumbles through Vernonia's square Acrobatics DC15: 1d20 ⇒ 18 and succeeds at getting to the other side. (Baxter and Lars are on opposite side)

Ysabella is unconscious....

Sprite 3 casts a spell (defensively and succeeds) on Vernonia Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 and saves. The sprite then tumbles through Vernonia's square Acrobatics DC15: 1d20 ⇒ 18 and succeeds at getting to the other side. (Baxter and Lars are on opposite side)

Round 3

Vernonia checks Ysabella but can't tell what's wrong. She seems to be sleeping after she got hit by all those colors.

Sprite 1 is no where to be seen.

Bedwyr's lion moves up and bites at Sprite 2 and hits for seven damage. The sprite now seems to be disabled.

Baxter's turn...

Baxter will move up to the sprite while shouting his response to the sudden arrival. "We're getting our tails kicked by tiny fairies!" he announces.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

And he misses the flitting creature yet again.

Round 3, Initiative Count 13

Similar to Baxter, Lars will continue to do what he (supposedly) does best, trying to put steel to bad-guy. He tries not to show all of his surprise at the sudden arrival of the lion-riding Gnome.

"We're trying to rescue a captured woman," he calls back in response. "Why are you here? Are you friend or foe?" He hopes that the fact that the newcomer is attacking his enemies means friend, but after what happened to Veronwe, one can't be too careful.

Same target as Baxter. Would like to flank if possible, but am not sure if that would be possible so left it out of the dice.
Mwk Longsword Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Longsword Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

"Oh, I know why you're here: I was talking to them!"
Then he calls out in another tongue:

Baxter and Vernonia are flanking.

Baxter misses.

Lars misses.

Sprite 2 full withdraws flying upward and will not provoke. He is now out of your sight because of the falling snow. (It can't fail fly check in case someone wanted to bring the rules up)

Ysabelle is unconcious, blinded and stunned.

Sprite 3 will do the same thing and full withdraw flying upward and will not provoke.

No sprite is within your sight and we can end combat.

is the one beneath Tawny's paws dead, or dying?

No and it's not under his paw. He merely hit it. However, since he technically is disabled he wouldn't be able to full withdrawal. So with that said, your cat and Vernonia may attack it with attack of opportunity

The lion's Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 but misses.

Vernonia Do you have weapon out? I don't recall you clarifying you do.

Vernonia carries a quarter staff as a weapon so she should have it ready

We will declare that now, but for this encounter... they are gone.

Vernonia Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 9 and misses. Even with flank, the Lion as well.

Out of combat.

Oh, I don't want to fight it. I want to have a chat. And by 'beneath his paws' I was simply being poetic.
Bedwyr pulls a little on Tawny's mane, a signal for him to growl and roar, then he leans over and eyeballs the little fey,"I'll ask again"
intimidate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Ha ha! Brilliant.

I suppose that if it's taking a single move action at half-speed each round then we should have a decent chance at pursuing it?

Can you fly, because they went straight up and it's snowing

Lars, seeing that the enemies have abandoned the fight, gives a harrumph and turns his attention to the newcomer with the lion.

"You say you know why we are here, but I cannot remember having seen you before," he says with a healthy dose of suspicion, but doesn't go so far as to make any threatening gestures. "Are you here for the same errand as the rest of us? Or does another agenda bring you into these woods? You have not attacked us yet, so I will assume you mean to go on not attacking us, but we are strangely met indeed. I'm Lars." He watches the gnome expectantly.

Vernonia continues to check on Ysabelle but turns towards the Plumekith and says,

The unusual gnome nods at Vernonia and addresses her,

Then turns back to Lars, speaking quickly, "Ionnia and I have been... something more than friends, in the past. I was in the region, inquired about the strange weather, and she sent me after you. It seems that you could do with as many allies as possible."

He looks up at the snow and frowns, then looks at the sprites' fetishes and his scowl deepens, "There are usually two types of fey: those that embody the vivacious joy of nature and those the reflect the savage, pragmatic beauty of nature, red in tooth and claw. These are a third type, I would think. Nothing here is as it should be. We should press on."

He spurs his mount forward and surveys the path ahead while any healers do their thing, as he does so, Bedwyr gives the group a grim smile, "Bedwyr is my name, and this is Tawny. If we get through this, I like gin and he likes entire deer carcasses."

Lars takes a spot as the rear guard again as they trudge forward once more. Having another among their number can only be helpful when they eventually run out of trail to follow or if they get ambushed again.

"Uhm... Is Tawny hungry?" Baxter asks warily. "I'll just... stay over here. Away from the sharp ends."

"Oh, don't you worry. Tawny is practically an angel, he only hurts evil people."

The gnome pauses for thought, "I mean, usually... Most of the time anyway."

Ysabella smiles at Vernonia groggily as she awakens. She pushes herself into a sitting position and is startled by Bedwyr and his beastly companion. "Am I dreaming? Or is there really a Gnome and a lion over there?" She blinks disbelievingly.

"We'll discuss it more when we've found this kidnappee... is that a word, kidnappee?"
Bedwyr shrugs, "But I'm not completely a gnome and he's not completely a lion. Nothing's ever that simple." he looks more closely at Ysabella and Vernonia, "Never that simple."

Off in the distance just at your visions reach, a white stag emerges as the snow continues to fall. The stag stops for a moment to sniff around the ground, but then raises it's head and peers in your direction. Now standing still as if waiting.

Ysabella nods at Bedwyr cautiously and turns her attention to the new comer, "One," she holds up a finger at each point, "That boy back in the village really may have seen a white stag. Two, it looks like it wants us to follow it. Three, do you think it really talks?" She steps slowly toward the stag as she speaks.

Bedwyr gives a low whistle of appreciation but hangs back, aware that Tawny might see this as a delicious snack.

"Yep. The stag may have been connected. I'm going to follow it." Baxter says, sheathing his weapon and moving towards it.

Lars watches it back for a moment, confused and impressed. "Hang on," he says to Baxter as he moves to catch up with the Ratfolk. "I'll come with you, just in case." He likewise approaches and, while he doesn't put his sword away, he does hold it in a very non-threatening way.

After checking Ysabella, Vernonia turns to the stag. As the others move towards it she says, "If it can talk ask it if it can help us find the lady."

The stag seems to be standing still as you approach it.

Ysabella reaches out a tenative hand toward the stag, "Do you want us to follow you?"

The stag stares at you. But then you hear a tiny voice say in common, "Um, no. I was curious why you're out here in the snow. Shouldn't you be in the comforts of your warm homes." You did not see the stags mouth move while it spoke.

Baxter approaches the stag carefully. "Hello!" Baxter greets the stag. "Do you have something to show us?"

It blinks a few times and then lowers its head to nibble on some greens the snow is trying so hard to cover.